תָּקַן (ta.qan)
ta.qan
be straight
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb taqan carries the core meaning of making something straight or equal. In its basic Qal form, it describes a state of becoming straight, often used metaphorically in Ecclesiastes to express the impossibility of correcting what is crooked (Ecclesiastes 1:15). This usage highlights a theme of limitation, suggesting that certain flaws in the world are inherent and cannot be simply fixed.
In the Piel stem, the meaning shifts to active agency. Here, taqan means to arrange or set things in order. This sense appears when describing the careful preparation of proverbs, where wisdom is organized into a structured, accessible format. The word implies intentionality and care, moving from mere existence to deliberate arrangement.
The term also appears in the Hophal stem with the sense of being established or confirmed, particularly in Aramaic contexts. This reinforces the idea of stability and firmness. Across its uses, taqan moves from the physical act of straightening to the intellectual and spiritual ordering of life and wisdom.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels uneven or broken, this word reminds us that some things are beyond our control. Ecclesiastes uses it to show that we cannot fix every crooked path or count every missing piece. This is not a call to despair, but an invitation to trust God’s sovereignty over what we cannot change.
Yet the same root also speaks of order and wisdom. When the Preacher set proverbs in order, he showed that God provides structure even in a complex world. We can find peace by focusing on the wisdom available to us, rather than obsessing over what remains unresolved.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ straighten1×
- to/ become straight1×
- he arranged in order1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּקֵּ֖ן1×
- לִ/תְקֹ֑ן1×
- לְ/תַקֵּ֔ן1×
Key Verses
-
Ecclesiastes 1:15
That which is crooked can’t be made straight; and that which is lacking can’t be counted.
This verse uses the word to highlight human limitation, showing that some flaws in life are inherent and cannot be fixed by effort alone.
-
Ecclesiastes 7:13
Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight which he has made crooked?
Here the term directs attention to God’s work, reminding readers that only He can straighten what He has allowed to become crooked.
-
Ecclesiastes 12:9
Further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he pondered, sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
In this Piel stem occurrence, the word describes the intentional act of setting wisdom in order, showing how God’s truth brings structure to our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word taqan mean?
How is taqan different from other words for 'fix'?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Ecclesiastes 3 verses
That which is crooked can’t be made straight; and that which is lacking can’t be counted.
Ecclesiastes 7:13Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight which he has made crooked?
Ecclesiastes 12:9Further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he pondered, sought out, and set in…